Make an appointment with a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker
Tell them you want an evaluation for borderline personality disorder
Describe your symptoms clearly, including mood swings, fear of abandonment, unstable relationships, impulsivity, self-harm, anger, emptiness, and identity issues
Share how long the symptoms have been present and how they affect work, school, relationships, and daily life
Be honest about any self-harm, suicidal thoughts, substance use, or risky behavior
Bring a list of past mental health diagnoses, treatments, medications, hospitalizations, and therapy history
Bring any records from previous providers if available
Ask about a full psychiatric assessment and differential diagnosis
Be prepared for the clinician to rule out other conditions such as bipolar disorder, PTSD, depression, anxiety, or ADHD
Ask whether they use DSM-5 criteria when making the diagnosis
If the first clinician is unsure, ask for a referral to a specialist in personality disorders
Follow up if symptoms continue and request reassessment if needed
Seek urgent help immediately if you are in danger of harming yourself or someone else